Australia Council report: Australians increasingly making arts and culture a core part of everyday life

Australians are taking to arts and culture at an unprecedented level and the industry is contributing $50 billion to Australia’s economy, according to a new study released yesterday.

The Arts Nation: An Overview of Australian Arts study, prepared by the Australia Council for the Arts is intended to encourage national dialogue about arts and culture in Australia and to inform the strategic goals set by the Council in promoting and fostering the arts.

Live Performance Australia (LPA) is proud to be a key contributor to the study, with its Ticket Attendance and Revenue Survey 2013 drawn on as key data to quantify the industry’s contribution to the Australian economy.

The study highlights the growing value Australians and international visitors are placing on arts and culture and its contribution to the wellbeing of individuals and the collective economy.

A key positive finding from the study shows audience numbers and participation is continuing to trend upwards, with 94% of Australians attending live events, reading literature or attending a gallery in 2013.

The study has also shown arts and culture as the third most popular attraction in Australia for international tourists, trumping sports and gambling.